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Receiving a LinkedIn recommendation request from a colleague, employee or associate can be flattering but in some situations it can also be quite uncomfortable. Whether you feel you do not know the requester well enough or cannot vouch for his work, declining a LinkedIn recommendation request requires tact, firmness and sensitivity. In some cases you may even be able to use the request as a teaching moment.

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account with your email address and password. Click "Inbox" from the main menu. Open the email containing the recommendation request and click "Reply." If you received the request through another email address you can also reply that way.

2. Thank the requester for their email and respectfully decline to give a recommendation. Provide a straightforward explanation for turning down the request that specifically tells him why you are turning it down.

3. Offer constructive criticism. If applicable, you use can use the request as an opportunity to provide feedback on what the person does well as well as what they can work on.

4. Archive or delete the request. If the request was received through LinkedIn, you can choose to keep it in your archive or remove it completely. From your Inbox check the box next to the requestor's name and click "Archive" or "Delete."

About the Author

Based in Omaha, Neb., Amy Adkins has been a professional writer and editor since 2001. She writes primarily on the topic of health and health care and has experience in marketing communications, public relations, corporate communication and technical writing. She received her Master of Arts degree in communication from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.